Posted on Fri, Jun. 20, 2008
Justin Crosgile became a high-priority recruit for St. Joseph's while he was leading DePaul Catholic to the Passaic County title in New Jersey as a sophomore two seasons ago.
The Hawks were rewarded for their early interest in the 5-foot-10 point guard yesterday when they received an oral commitment from Crosgile, who is expected to become DePaul's all-time leading scorer next season.
"I just liked everything about the school," said Crosgile, who is ranked No. 24 in the nation among the class-of-2009 point guards by scout.com. "It's close to home. They showed a lot of interest in me early and I like the coaching the staff. It's a guard-oriented program and I think I can fit right in. And I'm interested in computer science. I think it's a great fit for me."
Rated a top-notch three-point shooter with good ballhandling and passing skills, Crosgile said he received offers from St. John's, Seton Hall, Rutgers and Houston. His coach, Bart Fazio, said Crosgile also attracted interest from Indiana, Michigan and Penn State.
Crosgile averaged 20 points and six assists a game last season for DePaul, which is in Wayne, N.J. Crosgile is from Paterson.
"He's quick. He can be a stopper on defense," Fazio said. "He's a great, great shooter, a tremendous three-point shooter, and I'm talking NBA range. He passes like a point guard. For us he does everything. He's a great player and I think he made the right choice. [St. Joe's coach] Phil Martelli was really taken by him, and I believe he was their No. 1 recruit."
Crosgile has been a starter at DePaul since he was a freshman. He has 1,340 career points. As a sophomore, he led DePaul to a 23-5 record and the Passaic County title with a win over Paterson Catholic.
"Justin outplayed Jordan Theodore in that game," Fazio said. Theodore has signed with Seton Hall.
Last season, DePaul went 18-5 as Crosgile missed the final five games because of a sprained ankle.
"I wanted to commit early so I didn't have to deal with any pressure," he said.
Players in the class of 2009 can't sign binding letters of intent until November.
Contact staff writer Ray Parrillo at 215-854-2743 or rparrillo@phillynews.com.
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